Flushing apparatus



May 3, 1938. D. P. BARNARD, JR

FLusHING APPARATUS Filed April 10, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l l A lo' May 3, 1938. D. P. BARNARD, .JR

FLUSHING APPARATUS I Filed April 10. 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 @ttm/MA1.

Patented May 3, 1938 A UNITED sTATes 7 Claims.

This invention relates to flushing apparatus forv Water closet and like systems employing a valve device controlling the flow of water from a supply pipe to a closed tank wherein the air is f compressed, and from thence to a hopper or bowl for the flushing action.

The object, of my invention is to provide a novel construction and arrangement of anti-Siphon valve or device associated with the flush valve in'such manner as to permit air to enter the flush valve casing and tank during the operation of the flush valve, while preventing exhaust of air, Water or sewage from the ilush valve casing to the exterior or to the water supply pipe, thus preventing either siphonage and4 pollution of the water inthe water supply linetherefrom or water-logging in the water tank dueto dead air or'lack of elastic air in sufficient quantity to secure aproper flush action.

*26 The present invention provides an improve-` ment upon the structural organization for a similar purpose disclosed in patent to Joseph A. Vogel, No. 1,961,313, granted June 5, 1934, wherebythe eiliciency of the flushing apparatus is increased.V

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1 is a View in si'de elevation showing the application of the invention to a Vogel type of selfushingwater closet having a conventional arrangement of flush valve disposed above the rear portion of the bowl. Figs. 2 and Bare vertical front-to-rear sections through the bowl and flush valve casing, showing the ilush valve in normal and flushing positions, respectively.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal section through the anti-Siphon valve, showing ythe valve member thereof in normally open position.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing-the valve member of the anti-Siphon valve in closed position.

Fig. 6 is a cross-section through the anti-Siphon valve taken on line 6-6 of Fig. '7.

Fig. '7 is a horizontal section through the antisiphon valve.

.Referring now more particularly to the drawing'syl designates a closet bowl provided at its upper rear portion with an extension 2 having an opening 3 in its top and constructed to form a passage 4 communicating with the bowl.

Disposed Vabove the bowl extension 2 is a valve casing 5 formed with an upper flush valve chamber 6,' a lower depending ilush discharge outlet I and an intermediate flush chamber 8. The valve chamber E is provided at its upper end PArENT ermee FLUSHING APPARATUS Application April 10, 1936,'Se1ial'No. 73,787

with a water inlet connection 9 for attachment to a water supply pipe Ill, is also provided with a lateral port i I for connection with an air-tight or closed pressure tank I2, and is further provided with a port i3 in its bottom wall, which port connects the valve chamber 6 with the upper rear portion of the flush chamber 8. The discharge outlet 'l is of generally tubular form and terminates at its lower end in a reduced guide portion I 4. The casing 5 is suitably constructed for fastening attachment to the bowl I to hold it'in rigid connection therewith.`

Disposed vertically the valve chamber I, ilush chamber 8 and the discharge outlet ,'I', and extending through port I3, is a vertically movable valve stem I5. At its upper end within the top of the valve chamber 6 this stem carries an inlet valve It controlling the admission of water thereinto through the water supply connection 9, and carried also by the stern and disposed in the lower portion of the valve chamber 6 is a flush valve I! which is movable with the valve i5 and operates to open and close the port I3. At its lowerV end'the valve stem is provided with a threaded surface I8 and a retaining nut I9, which nut I9 is movable in the guide portion I4. A coiled spring ZI] surrounds the lower end of the stem within the outlet 'l and rests at its lower end upon a shoulder 2I at the lower end of the outlet. At its upper end the spring bears against a lock nut 22 adapted for holding in adjusted position a contact nut 23.

The spring 2li normally holds the valve stem elevated with the valve I6 in closed position and the valve II in open position, which position is the cut oil position of the valve member I6 and the hush position of valve member Il, in which positions of the valve members the admission of water from pipe Il! to the flushing apparatus is cutoff by valve I, while valve I'I is in` posi` tion to establish communication through port I3 between the valve and ilush chambers 6 and 8 and between the valve chamber 6 and the pressure tank I2. The valve stem is adapted to be depressed against the resistance of the spring 2i), to reverse the positions of the valves I6 and I'I, that is, to open valve I6 and close valve I l, by means of a forked rocker arm 24 mounted on a shaft which is in gear with an actuating rock shaft 25 which is connected to the closet seat 26 so as to be actuated and controlled thereby. The gearing connection between parts 24 and 25 may be thesame or similar to that shown in Vogel et al. Patent No. 1,695,621, dated December 18, 1928, and the parts of the flushing apparatus thus far described may correspond generally to the parts disclosed in said patent, or be of any other analogous or suitable construction. With this understanding it will be apparent that spring 2U while holding valve I6 closed and valve I1 open acts on the arm 24 through the gear connection between it and shaft 25 to hold the seat 2B in a somewhat elevated position above the bowl, in which position the supply of water to the tank and bowl is cut oi and the tank is empty but in open communication with the valve chamber 6 and iiush chamber 8. When the seat 26 is depressed the stem I5 is moved downward to open valve I6 and close valve I1, thus closing communication between the chambers 6 and 8 and opening communication between the supply pipe l and the tank I2, so that a charge ci water will flow into the tank and compress the air therein. When the seat 26 issubsequently released and elevated to normal position by -spring 28, the valve I6 is returned to closed position, thus cutting 01T the flow of water and the valve I1 is opened for the discharge of the water from the tank through the port I3 into the flush chamber 8 and through the outlet 'I from the flush chamber to the bowl for a flushing action.

The present invention has for its object to provide an anti-Siphon, control or relief valve for automatically supplying air to the chamber 8 and chamber E to break up any siphoning action in said chambers, and thus prevent any backflow of sewage from the bowl into the chambers and possibly into the supply pipe `I B, and also to admit air to the tank to automatically replenish the supply of live or elastic air therein when needed and to thereby maintain a proper quantity and elasticity of the air in the tank to produce a proper iiushing action in the bowl and to prevent the tank from becoming water-logged. The invention further has for its object to provide an anti-Siphon valve so arranged and constructed as to' ensure a quick and positive closure of the anti- Siphon valve member during a flushing action so as to obviate liability of sticking of the valve and to prevent any chattering or other movement of the valve interfering with its proper function.

The means provided for these purposes comprises an anti-Siphon valve, preferably of4 ball type, and consisting of a casing 21 formed of an inner end section 28, an outer end section 29 and an intermediate section 30 having a threaded or other suitable connection with eachother. The section 28 is provided with a reduced threaded extension 3I for engagement with a threaded opening in the valve casing 5, and the section 29 is provided with a vertical portion 32 projecting above the level of the top of the casing 2l and provided at its top with an annular series of air inlet and discharge openings 33. This portion 32 is internally threaded at its upper end to receive a closure plate 34 having a notch or recess 35 therein for the reception of a screwdriver or like tool whereby it may be conveniently applied and removed when occasion requires.

The sections 28, 29 and 38 are provided respectively with coaxially arranged and alined passages 38 and 31 and a suction and pressure port 38. The passage 36 and port 38 are in communication with each other through a diametrically enlarged expansion or surge chamber 39 disposed between them and formed by recessed portions of the opposed ends of the sections 28 and. 30, while the passage 31 and port 38 are in communication with each other through an interposed valve chamber 4l) formed between the opposed faces of the sections 29 and 3D. The walls of this chamber 4D are suitably formed to provide seats 4I and 42 respectively for a ball valve 43 movably mounted in said chamber 40. Formed in the sections 28, 29 and 30 on opposite sides of the aforesaid passages and parallel therewith are by-pass relief channels or ducts 44, which open at their outer ends through the outer endV of part 3I of section 30 and communicate at their outer ends with the outer side of the valve chamber 48 in proximity to the valve seats 42. The passage 38, port 38 and the chamber 29 provide for the flow of air between the valve casing and the inner side of the valve chamber 42 of the valve casing 21, while the passage 21 and ducts 44 provide for the flow of air between the casing 5 and the atmosphere through the ports 33 in the portion 32 of4 the casing section 29.

The casing 21 is disposed horizontally and connected with the rear portion of the casing 5 at a level between the bowl and the connection II, and between the port I3 of the casing 5 and its outlet connection with the bowl, so that the valve 21 will be disposed in an inconspicuous position and where it Will not interfere with the movements of the seat 26 and Will at the same time be better protected against injury by Contact with extraneous objects. Its location at this point is further desirable because it communicates directly with the rear portion of the chamber 8 at a point where the valve member 43 will be subjected more reliably to the pressure of air under pressure of the Water flowing through said chamber 8 and prevented from having a chattering action as would be the case if it were located at a high level so as to be influenced almost entirely by air pressure in the chamber 8 less directly influenced by the water pressure therein. The valve member 43 is normally disposed in engagement with the seat 4I, that is to say, in open position, establishing communication between the atmosphere and the chamber 8 ofthe valve 5, which position of the valve member 43 is maintained at all times when a flushing action is-not occurring, and when there is a partial vacuum in the chamber 3 or said chamber contains air at normal atmospheric pressure. The valve member 43 is movable to the closed position shown in Fig. 5, in which it engages the seats 42, Whenever a ushing action is in progress or an augmentation of pressure otherwise occurs in the chamber 8 of valve casing 5, in which position said member 43 closes the relief ducts 44 and cuts off communication with the chamber 8 and the atmosphere.

It will thus be understood that at any time during or after a flushing action, a partial vacuum or reduction of air pressure exists in the chamber 8 or in said chamber together with the chamber 6 and the tank I2, whereby a suction action is instituted, air will be permitted to enter the valve casing 5 through the relief ducts or channels 44, thus relieving any reduction of pressure and breaking up any siphoning action therein. The breaking up of the reduction of pressure and any siphoning action will prevent any backlow of sewage from the bowl upwardly into the valve chamber 5 in the event of stoppage from any cause, and thus prevent any possibility of the pollution of the water in the supply pipe. 'Ihe valve 21 is arranged in a most effective position on the casing 5 for this purpose and also in such position as to further perform a relief action to replenish the tank 8 with the proper supply of live or elastic fresh air to take the place of dead or inelastic air in the tank, which may occur through depletionkof air supply or absorption of air under certain conditions, and thus prevent water-logging of the tank and its attendant objections. It will be understood of course that the valve member 43 is movable outwardly against theseat 4B to prevent the exhaust of air from the chamber B as well as to prevent the discharge of water of sewage through the valve 2l. The sectional vconstruction of the valve 21 herein disclosed is of advantage in not only permitting convenient and economical manufacture of the valve but also in permittingassemblage of its parts for use and disassemblage thereof for cleaning, repairs or other purposes. 'Ihe function of the expansion or surge chamber 39 is to afford a surge relief action occurring during a ushing -action or possible backlow of sewage into the l of port \38` is to provide a `restricted port for suction and pressure actions of the airin the ball valve to ensure quick and positive opening and closing movements of said valve.

i From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the drawings, the construction, mode ofoperation and advantages of my anti-Siphon valve will be readily understood without a further and extended description, and it will be seen that it provides a simple, reliable and efficient type of valve` for the purpose. It is, of course, to be understoodthat the anti-Siphon valve may be used in connection with various types of flushing apparatus of the general character disclosed, or of similar character varying in details oi construction to serve specically diierent applications, without departing from the spirit or sacricing any of the advantages of the invention. Also it will be understood that, while the structural organization herein described and claimed is preferred, changes in the form, construction and arrangement of parts falling within the scope of the appended claims may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth therein.

What I claim iszl. In a closet flushing system, a flush valve casing having a water inlet and an outlet for communication respectively with a water supply pipe and a bowl, a valve normally closing said inlet, a valve normally open when the first-named valve is closed and closed `when the rst-named valve is open, an anti-Siphon valve casing opening horizontally at one end into the flush valve casing at a level below the level of said water inlet and between said water inlet and said water outlet and in communication with the atmosphere at its opposite end, and a valve member in said Yanti-Siphon valve casing normally open in the absence of ilow pressure in the flush valve casing to establish communication between said flush valve casing and the atmosphere and movable to a Aclosed position under the iniluence of either iiow pressure or back pressure in the flush valve casing to cut ofi communication between the same and the atmosphere.

2. In a flushing apparatus, a bowl, a closed tank, a flush valve casing having a valve chamber and a flush chamber, the said valve chamber having a water outlet connection with the tank and a water inlet, and the said ilush chamber having an outlet to the bowl and an inlet from the valve chamber, a valve device in said casing movable n one direction to open communication between the waterinlet and the tank and to close communication between the valve chamber and ush chamber and movable in a different direction to close communication between the water inlet and `tank and open communication between the valve chamber and flush chamber, an anti- Siphon valve casing opening horizontally at one end into the iiush valve casing at a level below the level of said water inlet and between said water inlet and said water outlet and in communication with the atmosphere at its opposite end, ancla valve member in said anti-Siphon valve casing normally open in the absence of flow pressure in the flush valve casing to establish communication between said flush valve casing and the atmosphere and movable to a closed position under the iniluence of either iiow pressure or back pressure in the flush valve casing to cut off communication between the same` and the atmosphere.

8. In a flushing apparatus, a bowl, a closed Y tank, a flush valve casing having a valve chamber and a iiush chamber, said valve chamber having a water inlet connection and a water outlet connection, the latter leading to the tank, and said iiush chamber having an inlet from the valve chamber and an outlet leading to the bowl, a water inlet valve for opening and closing communication between the valve chamber and the water inlet, a flush valve for opening and closing communication between the valve chamber and tank and the flush chamber, means for simultaneously operating said valves to causethe water inlet valve. to open the water inlet for ow of water to the tank and to cause the flush valve to close communication between the valve chamber and the flush chamber, or vice versa, an antisiphon valve casing opening horizontally at one end into the flush valve casing at a level below said water inlet and between said water inlet and said water outlet and in communication with the atmosphere at its opposite end, and a valve member in said anti-siphon valve casing normally open in the absence of ow pressure in the flush valve casing and the atmosphere and movable to a closed position under the iniluence of either flow pressure or low level back pressure in the ilush valve casing to cut oli communication between the same and the atmosphere.

4. In a flushing apparatus, a bowl, a closed tank, a flush valve casing having a valve chamber and a iiush chamber, said valve chamber having a water inlet connection and a water outlet connection, the latter leading to the tank, and said flush chamber having an inlet from the valve chamber and an outlet leading to the bowl, a water inlet valve for opening and closing communication between the valve chamber and the water inlet, a flush valve for opening and closing communication between the valve chamber and tank and the flush chamber, means for simultaneously operating said valves to cause the water inlet valve to open the water inlet for flow of water to the tank and to cause the flush valve to close communication between the valve chamber and the flush chamber, or vice versa, an anti- Siphon valve casing communicating horizontally with the ilush chamber at a level below said water inlet and between the same and the water outlet and having an air passage communicating with the atmosphere, a surge chamber in communication with saidair passage and iiush chamber, a valve controlling the air passage, and a suction and pressure port communicating with the surge chamber for establishing suction and pressure actions on said Valve in the absence and presence of pressure in the iush chamber to respectively shift said valve to open and closed positions. Y

5. In a ushing apparatus, a bowl, a closed tank, a flush valve casing having a valve chamber and a flush chamber, the said valve chamber having a water outlet connection with the tank and a water inlet, and the said iiush chamber having an outlet to the bowl and an inlet from the valve chamber, a valve device in said casing movable in one direction to open communication between the water inlet and the tank and to close communication between the valve chamber and ilush chamber and movable in a different direction to close communication between the water inlet and tank and open communication between the valve chamber and flush chamber, an antisiphon valve casing communicating horizontally with the flush chamber of the flush Valve casing below the level of the water inlet and between the same and the water outlet and having an air passage communicating with the atmosphere, a valve controlling said passage, and asuction and pressure port for establishing suction and pressure actions on said valve in the absence and presence of pressure in the ilush chamber to respectively shift said valve to open and close said air passage.

6. In a flushing apparatus, a bowl, a closed tank, a flush valve casing having a Valve chamber and a ush chamber, said valve chamber having a water inlet connection and a water outlet connection, the latter leading to the tank, and said flush chamber having an inlet from the valve chamber and an outlet leading to the bowl, a water inlet Valve for opening and closing communication between the Valve chamber and the water inlet, a flush Valve for opening and closing communication between the valve chamber and tank and the flush chamber, means for simultaneously operating said valves to cause the water inlet valve to open the water inlet for ow of water to the tank and to cause the flush valve to close communication between the valve chamber and the iiush chamber,.or Vice versa, an antisiphon Valve casing communicating horizontally with the flush chamber at a level below the water inlet and between the same and the Water outlet and having an air passage communicating with the atmosphere, a surge chamber in communication with said ush chamber, a valve controlling the air passage, a by-pass connecting the surge chamber with the air passage at a point to be closed by closing movement of the valve, and a suction and pressure port communicating with the surge chamber for establishing suction and pressure actions to move the Valve inwardly to open connection between the air passage and by-pass and to force the valve outwardly to close connection between the air passage and by-pass.

7. In a flushing system closed to the atmosphere, embodying a bowl, a tank and a valve for admitting water to the tank and closing communication between the tank and bowl or cutting off the flow of water to the tank and allowing water to flow therefrom lto the bowl, a valve operated by suction for admitting air to said system on a reduction of pressure therein and operated by pressure to cut off the supply of air to said system upon an augmentation of pressure there- 1n.

DANIEL P. BARNARD, JR. 

